PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — For the first time since October 21, 2016, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore fell in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) regular season volleyball match. The team that defeated them that day was the same today, as the Hawks fell to the Howard Bison in straight sets (15-25, 17-25, 22-25).

Maryland Eastern Shore (5-12, 2-1 MEAC) had some positives, including a vigorous third set rally effort that inspired the nice crowd at the Hytche Center.

"Thanks to the fans for all the support." Hawks coach Trevor Callarman said. "Howard came to play today, and had our number defensively. Our players are not discouraged by the loss and we are confident that will be rebound quickly."

One bright spot was freshman Mauri Carver (Elizabeth City, North Carolina), making her fifth collegiate start. She delivered a gutsy performance of three kills over six attempts, and tied a match best with four block assists.

"I wasn't worried about who was on the other side." Carver said. "All I had to was stay in control and be the best I can be. As long as we play Eastern Shore volleyball, we will be fine."

Good defense by the Bison limited the Hawks' attacking power. Howard (11-9, 4-0 MEAC) averaged 16 digs a set, holding the Hawks to a .042 hitting percentage. Libero Fola Wilson led the charge with over four digs per set, and outside Kailyn Williams delivered a match high 13 kills.

For the Hawks, senior Lucia Babic (Sisak, Croatia) finished with 10 kills and senior Rachel Kayongo (Northridge, California) completed 13 digs.

Howard used a 5-0 run to start set one and an 8-3 run to finish set two. The Shore led as late as 22-21 in set three, but the Bison scored the final four points to win.

Maryland Eastern Shore will be on the road for the next three matches. They will face Coppin State and Morgan State next weekend in Baltimore, and then travel to Lynchburg, Virginia to face Liberty.